How to Solve ETD (Eustachian Tube Dysfunction)?

[Hannes Alm]

Hi!

So from 2 ENT appointments I've drawn the conclusion that I'm suffering from ETD. I've already tried Valsalva but that resulted in a bursted eardrum. Now that is healed and I don't wanna do those types of maneuvers again.

I've heard chewing gum, nose spray and steam inhalation seem to be the most tried alternatives.
Are all these safe? Can they cause any harm? What do you recommend instead of the Valsalva?

 

[Ed209]

Hi!

So from 2 ENT appointments I've drawn the conclusion that I'm suffering from ETD. I've already tried Valsalva but that resulted in a bursted eardrum. Now that is healed and I don't wanna do those types of maneuvers again.

I've heard chewing gum, nose spray and steam inhalation seem to be the most tried alternatives.
Are all these safe? Can they cause any harm? What do you recommend instead of the Valsalva?

If you get it as bad as I have in the past (because of allergies) then the only thing that will fix it is time. You have already listed the main remedies, so there's really not much more you can do other than be patient. It is difficult and I understand the frustration.

I had an endoscopy to see what was going on in my sinuses and they told me that I was badly congested. I was given fluticasone drops that I had to use whilst hanging off the edge of my bed and then had to revert to a spray after a week of using the drops. After a while, this was changed to Dymista because the other stuff wasn't doing anything. To be honest, I don't think Dymista was any better, but in the end, my tubes cleared. For me, this will always be an ongoing problem because of my allergies.

Keep breathing in steam, and try adding some menthol crystals. They can help.

 

[Hannes Alm]

If you get it as bad as I have in the past (because of allergies) then the only thing that will fix it is time. You have already listed the main remedies, so there's really not much more you can do other than be patient. It is difficult and I understand the frustration.

I am not allergic to anything that I'm aware of. Don't have any other symptoms. My nose is fine and no other allergic symptoms.

I just don't want to *** up anything more. These remedies that I listed. Are they considered safe for your ears? That is: steam inhalation, chewing gum, nose spray (not extensive use)

 

[Ed209]

I am not allergic to anything that I'm aware of. Don't have any other symptoms. My nose is fine and no other allergic symptoms.

I just don't want to *** up anything more. These remedies that I listed. Are they considered safe for your ears? That is: steam inhalation, chewing gum, nose spray (not extensive use)

I didn't mean to infer you that yours was allergy based. All I can say is that the end result is the same. If you're clogged up badly it can take a while to drain.

Also, don't overuse decongestants as they have a rebound effect that can make it worse.

 

[derpytia]

I've had ETD for about 5 years now with no known causes (did allergy meds and everything). It showed up after a really bad cold (before I got tinnitus) and never fully went away.

I'm currently trying turmeric supplements for inflammation. So far I'm seeing some positive results but I'm not holding my breath and I wanna make sure it isn't placebo. I'll be doing a write up on it soon so I guess everyone will be finding out soon enough if it's worth trying.

 

[another sean]

Does anyone here have allergies where the only symptom is dizziness? no other symptoms. Just dizziness?

 

[dellwas]

Does anyone here have allergies where the only symptom is dizziness? no other symptoms. Just dizziness?

I have an infected eustachian tube, but also diagnosed with BPPV. That will cause dizziness, and I'm doing a series of exercises to retrain the brain. It's early, but they seem to be tied to the T. I was symptom free yesterday, meaning no T. Unfortunatly the barometric pressure dropped today and it's really affecting me, but it always does when that happens. Also, there are a couple of studies linking it to tinnitus. Here is one. http://www.tinnitusjournal.com/articles/benign-paroxysmal-positional-vertigo-and-tinnitus.pdf

 

[Hannes Alm]

Has anyone tried steam inhalation?

 

[Contrast]

Hey Jimbo, did you know that ETD is sometimes a mis-diagnosis. I'm sure some people here have it but
ear fullness after a rock concert or loud headphones is not ETD, it is something wrong with the inner ear that isn't medically classified, at best it receives the vague title "hyperacusis"

Now Jim Jam, how does it feel knowing research is lagging behind this bad?
Clueless people riding the Pawel Quacksterboff approved treatment plan.

Some people viewing this thread (probably most) who think they have ETD have ear damage from noise trauma, isn't that quacking crazy?

@threefirefour

 

[dellwas]

Has anyone tried steam inhalation?

Yup, I have a Mabis Steamer Inhaler and use a variety of essential oils (not all at once), lavender, patchouli, eucalyptus, tea tree, spearint, and ginger. Go easy, and only 1-2 of each. Also steam in a seperate room if you have pets, some of them can be toxic to pets.

 

[dellwas]

View attachment 28354
Hey Jimbo, did you know that ETD is sometimes a mis-diagnosis. I'm sure some people here have it but
ear fullness after a rock concert or loud headphones is not ETD, it is something wrong with the inner ear that isn't medically classified, at best it receives the vague title "hyperacusis"

Now Jim Jam, how does it feel knowing research is lagging behind this bad?
Clueless people riding the Pawel Quacksterboff approved treatment plan.

Some people viewing this thread (probably most) who think they have ETD have ear damage from noise trauma, isn't that quacking crazy?

@threefirefour

Don't know who you are referring to and don't really care. I know I have ETD, and it ain't from noise trauma bud...

 

[Contrast]

Don't know who you are referring to and don't really care. I know I have ETD, and it ain't from noise trauma bud...

check how many people are diagnosed with ETD after noise trauma, visit /r/tinnitus or go through some old Introduce Yourself's on TinnitusTalk

 

[dellwas]

check how many people are diagnosed with ETD after noise trauma.

Having trouble tracking? I already stated mine is not due to noise trauma, so why would I want to check it?

 

[Contrast]

Having trouble tracking? I already stated mine is not due to noise trauma, so why would I want to check it?

It doesn't apply to everyone, but some people. It's sad how some people who do have noise trauma induced ear fullness are mis-diagnosed and never know the truth.

 

[JohnAdams]

maybe Shim?

Lol but seriously.

 

[Holly1987]

I have found this to be very helpful